
My quest to find the best 15 year old sherried Scotch had led me to a show down between this and the Tamdhu 15. All of this now seems a little moot since Glendronach appears to have had somewhat of a senior moment in regards to public relations, and I really should look at Glengoyne and perhaps Glenallachie as other suitable contenders.
Still, I've reviewed this 're-Revival' previously, which prompted me to pick up another couple of bottles as I enjoyed it the sample that much (90 points). So how will a bottle from 2020 fare?
Review is with a wee splash of water and the bottle has been open about four months with two thirds left.
Nose - rich and spicy with blonde tobacco, old, dry dates, leather, lots of complex ginger notes, a touch of mint and mocha. Prickly.
Taste - Rich mouth-feel, lovely actually - it feels thick! More tobacco, mocha and gingery spices. Some sweetness comes from fresh, sticky dates and a hint of red fruits (cherry syrup?).
Finish - med - long. Pleasant gingery spice, light toffee and some gentle tannins.
This is perhaps a little less enjoyable than the sample I had a couple of years ago but it is still excellent whisky. Not as sweet as one would imagine given the inclusion of both PX and Olorosso casks, and I really like the tobacco and leather notes - they don't dominate in any way (I'm looking at you Benromach ;). Nicely balanced, sherried whisky with a bit of a kick. Yes, please.
@OdysseusUnbound - I see your quandary
I really regret not picking up a few of those older 15's when I had the chance.
I’m tempted to open my only bottle of Glendronach 15 after reading this, but mine is one of those “15s” that is actually 19 or 20 years old because of the distillery closure.